It's Better I Go Away
The sermon explores the controversial teachings of Jesus, specifically focusing on his statement that it is beneficial for him to depart so that the Holy Spirit, or Advocate, can arrive. The speaker expands on John chapter 16, where Jesus prepares his disciples for his absence and foretells persecution. The core message emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's coming is crucial for the mission of God, as the Spirit convinces the world of sin, reveals true righteousness through Christ, and declares Satan's defeat. This divine work of the Spirit frees believers from the burden of bringing conviction, allowing them to proclaim the gospel while trusting God for transformation. The sermon highlights the Trinitarian nature of God and the active role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and the world.
Deep Dive Podcast
Why It's Better Jesus Left:
A Study Guide
Quiz
According to the speaker, what is the primary reason Jesus tells his disciples it's better that he leaves?
What three specific things will the Holy Spirit do when he comes, according to John 16:8?
How does the speaker differentiate the Christian understanding of knowing God from other world religions?
What is the significance of being "put out of the synagogue" for Jewish people in Jesus' time?
Why does the speaker emphasize that "context is king" when discussing John chapter 16?
How does the speaker use the example of Tourette's syndrome in his son, Hudson, to illustrate the idea that difficult situations can be for our good?
What is the Greek word for "Advocate," and what does it broadly mean in this context?
How does the Holy Spirit's role in convicting the world of sin free believers from a certain responsibility?
According to the speaker, what is the Christian's role in the "spiritual battle" or "war of love"?
How does the speaker describe Jesus' victory over Satan on the cross, referencing Paul's words in Colossians?
Answer Key
Jesus tells his disciples it's better that he leaves so that the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, can come. The Holy Spirit will then empower believers and carry out crucial aspects of God's mission that Jesus, in physical form, could not accomplish in the same way.
According to John 16:8, the Holy Spirit will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin, righteousness, and judgment. These are the three key areas the Spirit will address upon His arrival.
The speaker states that other world religions teach that one can know God by doing good, whereas Christianity teaches that humans can never do enough good. Instead, God came to us through Jesus, and true knowledge of God comes through a Trinitarian relationship involving the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Being put out of the synagogue meant isolation from the religious community and the physical space of worship, which was profoundly significant for a people deeply rooted in physical space and the nation of Israel. It was seen as being cut off from the opportunity to worship and belong.
"Context is king" is emphasized because understanding the preceding chapters (John 13-15) helps reveal what "All this I have told you" in John 16 refers to. This context includes Jesus washing feet, discussing the Father's love, and the need to stay connected to him for spiritual fruit.
The speaker uses Hudson's Tourette's diagnosis to show that while difficult, God can work good in such situations. Through the diagnosis, his wife connected with another mother, leading to a meaningful relationship and shared experiences that would not have happened otherwise.
The Greek word for "Advocate" is Paraclete. Broadly, an advocate is someone who "goes to bat for you," steps forward to defend you, or adds information on your behalf in a challenging situation.
The Holy Spirit's role in convicting the world of sin frees believers from the responsibility of having to convince people that sin is real and that they need Jesus. Believers are called to proclaim the message, trusting that the Spirit will do the work of conviction in people's hearts.
The Christian's role in the "spiritual battle" is to "wage this war of love" by proclaiming the gospel and loving people, desiring them to turn from sin to Christ. It is not about winning debates or being violent, but about sharing the truth and allowing the Holy Spirit to bring conviction.
The speaker describes Jesus' victory over Satan on the cross as a complete triumph, where Jesus "disarmed the powers and authorities" and "made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them on the cross." This means Satan and demonic forces were defeated and embarrassed, despite thinking they had won.
Essay Format Questions
Discuss the speaker's argument for why Jesus' physical departure was "for your good." In your answer, include the roles of the Holy Spirit, the concept of corporate worship, and the ultimate mission of God as presented in the source material.
Analyze the speaker's explanation of the Trinity. How does he describe the relationship between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, and what specific attributes or actions does he assign to each, particularly the Holy Spirit, in the context of salvation and spiritual growth?
Examine the three convictions the Holy Spirit brings to the world (sin, righteousness, and judgment) as described by the speaker. For each, explain the significance of the Holy Spirit's role compared to what human effort alone could achieve.
The speaker uses several analogies and personal anecdotes (e.g., telephone calls, the Tourette's diagnosis, the medical scenario, Michael Jordan) to illustrate complex theological points. Choose two of these examples and explain how they effectively clarify the speaker's message about Jesus' departure and the Spirit's arrival.
Discuss the tension between human responsibility and the Holy Spirit's work in the mission of God, as presented by the speaker. How does he define the believer's role, and how does the Holy Spirit's presence offer both freedom and empowerment to followers of Christ?
Glossary of Key Terms
He Said What?: The title of the sermon series, focusing on controversial teachings of Jesus.
Loving Your Enemy: One of the controversial teachings of Jesus previously discussed in the sermon series.
Eat My Flesh: Another controversial teaching of Jesus previously discussed.
Cut It Off: A teaching of Jesus about dealing with sin, meaning to remove anything that causes one to stumble.
John Chapter 16: The specific biblical passage being studied, where Jesus discusses his departure and the coming of the Advocate.
Context is King: A principle emphasized by the speaker, highlighting the importance of understanding the surrounding biblical text.
Synagogue: The place of religious gathering for Jewish people; being excluded meant isolation from the religious community.
Corporeal Beings: Humans as physical beings, living in skin and flesh, which explains the natural desire for physical presence.
Advocate (Paraclete): The Holy Spirit, described as one who "goes to bat for you," defends, counsels, and helps. The Greek word is Paraclete.
Trinity: The profound Christian concept that God is three in one: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, all sharing the same core essence and in perfect relationship.
God the Father: One person of the Trinity; mentioned in connection with His love for the disciples and being the one who sent Jesus.
God the Son (Jesus Christ): One person of the Trinity; his departure is central to the sermon.
God the Holy Spirit: One person of the Trinity; the Advocate whose coming is made possible by Jesus' departure. He lives in believers, leads, guides, convicts, teaches, intercedes, gives gifts, and grows fruit.
Salvation: The act of being saved from sin and its consequences through faith in Christ. Believers receive and are sealed with the Holy Spirit upon salvation.
Sanctification: The process of being made holy or growing in Christ-likeness, which believers work out in partnership with the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual Gifts: Abilities given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church and fortification of faith.
Fruit of the Spirit: The characteristics of a Christ-like life (e.g., love, joy, peace) grown in believers by the Holy Spirit.
Convict (the world of sin): A primary role of the Holy Spirit, to supernaturally make people aware of their sin and their need for Jesus.
Righteousness: The state of being morally right or just. The Holy Spirit convicts the world that only Jesus is truly righteous, and believers receive His righteousness through faith.
Judgment: The Holy Spirit's role in proving the world wrong about judgment, specifically by declaring that the "prince of this world" (Satan) stands condemned.
Prince of the World: A title for Satan, who has been condemned and defeated by Jesus.
Mission of God: The overarching purpose and work of God in the world, in which believers are called to participate, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
War of Love: The speaker's description of the spiritual battle Christians are engaged in, emphasizing that victory comes through love and proclaiming the message, not violence or debate.
Colossians 2:13-15: A biblical passage referenced, describing how Christ canceled legal indebtedness, disarmed spiritual powers, and made a public spectacle of them on the cross.
Joshua Ryan Butler's Skeletons in God's Closet: A book mentioned, reinforcing the idea that Jesus' victory over evil has already occurred.
